Obasogie committed to Bendel Insurance

Bendel Insurance goalkeeper, Amas Obasogie, who has been linked with a move away from the club, says he is not tempted to leave the Benin Arsenal yet, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Former Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Rivers United and Enyimba are said to be in contact with the shot-stopper ahead of next season.

Enyimba’s first-choice keeper Ojo Olorunleke has departed for Al-Merrikh in Sudan just as Rivers United haven’t been able to tie out-of-contract Victor Sochima to a new deal.

Obasogie, who kept 18 clean sheets – a new NPFL record – last season, is the prime target to replace both goalkeepers.

In the wake of rumours linking him with both clubs, Obasogie has revealed what it will take for him to exit Insurance.

“Many clubs are actually in talks but there is nothing concrete,” Obasogie told PUNCH Sports Extra.

“Football is everywhere.  I just want to keep a good mentality and avoid controversy. I would love to leave Bendel Insurance in grand style, like after an incredible season, such that I will be able to table what I want with a huge financial benefit for the club as well.

“This is my boyhood club and my family is here in Benin City too,” he added.

In the last two seasons, Obasogie has been a formidable figure between the sticks for Bendel Insurance, showcasing his shot-stopping skills and contributing significantly to his team’s defensive stability.

On their return to the topflight in the 2022/23 season, he was instrumental in Insurance’s unprecedented 21-game unbeaten run in the league when he also kept eight clean sheets in the regular season.

His brilliance in saving penalties also helped the team win their first major title in 43 years, the 2023 Federation Cup, courtesy of a 1-0 win over Enugu Rangers in the final.

“Bendel Insurance is a family club and we desire to do more for the state and our fans, especially returning to the continent. It didn’t work for us last season but it will some other time. We will do more and push more next season.”

Obasogie made 34 appearances for Insurance in the just-concluded season and was not breached in 18 games, beating his closest challengers, Kayode Bankole of Remo Stars and Doma United’s Kingdom Osayi, who both had 15, as well as breaking Adewale Adeyinka’s record of 16 clean sheets, which was set in the 2020/21 season.

Although Insurance didn’t finish the season as highly as they would have desired (ninth), Obasogie’s influence still ensured they conceded the least number of goals (30).